A GROUP of mums have banded together to put council election candidates' views on the environment under the spotlight.
Climate Change Our Future comprises mums from the cities of Monash and Glen Eira who sent council election candidates a questionnaire on topics including increasing bike racks, planting more shaded trees and a subsidy for compost bins.
Other topics were support for 'plastic bag free' zones, creating an environment education officer position at council, and the installation of water tanks in parks and sportsgrounds.
Fifteen of Monash's 43 candidates responded, and were judged and graded on their eco-friendliness.
Candidates who received an 'A' grade were Oakleigh Ward's Matthew Billman, Denise McGill and Stefanie Perri and Mulgrave Ward's Micaela Drieberg. The candidate with the lowest mark was Oakleigh Ward's Raff Ciccone, who received a 'C' grade.
Only four of 11 sitting councillors responded to the questionnaire: Craig Shiell, Charlotte Baines, McGill and Joy Banerji. Responses are available online and group member Eleanor Whyte said she would follow up with candidates once they were elected to "ensure they keep their promises".
Group member Justine Sakurai said the group had more than 20 members and was rapidly growing.
Details: www.ccof.org.au